Fake toys and cigarettes found in operation

Walsall Council said the operation "shows the range of issues our officers deal with to keep our residents safe"

Fake toys, illegal tobacco and potentially unsafe food items have been removed from shops during trading standards inspections.

Officers, supported by police and the fire service, visited nine shops in Willenhall town centre on one day and seized 960 counterfeit cigarettes, Walsall Council stated, with some found in an underfloor compartment.

The team also discovered 40 fake Labubu toys and accessories, as well as unlabelled food items including meat and fish products.

Traders were given advice and follow-up visits have been scheduled, the council added.

During the inspections, one business was also instructed to install smoke alarms to bring the premises in line with fire safety regulations.

Forty fake Labubu toys and accessories were removed from sale

Council portfolio holder for enforcement and safe communities Adam Hicken said the operation "shows the range of issues our officers deal with to keep our residents safe".

He added: "Whether it's counterfeit goods, unsafe food or toys, we take a zero-tolerance approach to anything that puts the public at risk."

Further follow-up visits would take place to ensure all businesses were fully compliant with safety and trading regulations following the visits on 7 October, the authority said.